Mahale National Park
Tanzania
Western Circuit Best: May to Oct Chimpanzee trekking on Lake Tanganyika
Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, with forested mountains that rise steeply from the beach. It is one of the best places in Africa to track wild chimpanzees.
- Location
- Kigoma Region, western Tanzania
- Best time
- May to Oct
- Known for
- Chimpanzee trekking on Lake Tanganyika
Wildlife & Animals
Guided treks go into the forest to find habituated chimpanzee groups. Other primates such as red colobus and blue monkeys also live here, and the clear waters of the lake are good for swimming and snorkelling.
Best Time To Visit
The dry season from about May to October is the most comfortable time for trekking. Chimpanzees can be seen all year, but trails are easier when the ground is dry.
Getting There
Mahale is very remote. Visitors usually fly to the park airstrip on a light aircraft, or travel by boat from Kigoma across Lake Tanganyika.
